Teleconference is the live exchange and mass articulation of information among persons and machines remote from one another but linked by a telecommunications system, usually over the phone line. It differs from videophone in intending to serve groups rather than individuals.

The telecommunications system may support the teleconference by providing one or more of the following audio, video, and/or data services by one or more means, such as telephone, telegraph, teletype, radio, and television.

Teleconferences are also referred to as teleseminars.

Alternative terms for teleconferencing include audio conferencing, telephone conferencing and phone conferencing.

Internet Tele-conference

Internet telephony involves conducting a teleconference over the Internet or a Wide Area Network. One key technology in this area is Voice over Internet Protocol (VOIP). Popular software for personal use includes Skype, Google Talk, Windows Live Messenger and Yahoo Messenger. A List of commercial voice over IP network providers is available.

See also

• Conference call
• Internet telephony
• Videoconferencing
• Telepresence
• List of commercial voice over IP network providers

References